Tanning beds damage the skin more than the sun and increase the risk of melanoma

During the epidemiological analysis, the researchers compared the medical data of about 3,000 people who used tanning beds and 3,000 people without such experience. It turned out that melanoma was diagnosed in 5.1% of tanning bed users versus 2.1% in the control group. Even taking into account age, gender, sunburn, and heredity, the risk remained almost three times higher.

Scientists paid special attention to the fact that users of tanning salons had melanoma more often in areas of the body that were usually protected from the sun, for example, on the lower back or buttocks. This led the researchers to think about the broader nature of the damage.

To test the hypothesis, the team conducted single-cell DNA sequencing of melanocytes, the pigment cells of the skin from which melanoma develops. The analysis showed that in people with a history of tanning beds, skin cells contained almost twice as many mutations, including mutations directly related to the development of cancer. Moreover, these changes were found throughout the body, not just in open areas.

According to the authors of the work, with normal sun exposure, the most serious damage affects limited areas of the skin. In the case of tanning beds, dangerous mutations are formed almost everywhere, creating a so-called “DNA damage field” that increases the likelihood of developing melanoma even in visually healthy skin.

The researchers emphasize that the findings are important for prevention. For anyone who has regularly used tanning beds in the past, experts recommend that they undergo regular checkups with a dermatologist and be attentive to any skin changes.

The authors also note the need for stricter regulation of the artificial tanning industry. According to the classification of the World Health Organization, tanning beds are classified as first—class carcinogens, along with tobacco and asbestos.